Chicago is famous for its deep-dish pizza, jazz, and architecture, but it’s also a city with a vibrant craft beer scene that’s worth exploring. Whether you’re new to craft beers or a seasoned connoisseur, Chicago offers a variety of brewery tours that provide behind-the-scenes access, tastings, and a chance to meet fellow beer lovers.
Our favorite is the Chicago Craft Brewery Barrel Bus Tour, which combines the fun of a vintage-style ride with visits to unique local breweries.
It’s a great way to enjoy the city’s beer culture without worrying about driving, and the reviews rave about how fun and informative the guides are.
If you’re interested in a more exclusive experience, the Chicago: Craft Brewery Tour by Barrel Bus offers VIP access to a nano-brewery, adding a special touch to your day.
If you have a full day free and want to combine a city escape with beer tasting, the Milwaukee brewery day trips deliver a mix of history, culture, and craft beer. Both trips to Milwaukee include visits to iconic sites like the Harley-Davidson Museum and Miller Brewery, providing a well-rounded experience of this Wisconsin city.
Whether you prefer a half-day tour or a comprehensive 8-10 hour adventure, there’s something for every beer enthusiast.
Quick Overview
This guide covers four top brewery tours in Chicago, each with its own style and appeal. From the stylish Barrel Bus tours that focus on local craft breweries to full-day trips to Milwaukee, these experiences offer a taste of regional brewing traditions and some sightseeing along the way. Click on the tour titles to learn more about each one.
1. Chicago Craft Brewery Barrel Bus Tour
At number one, the Chicago Craft Brewery Barrel Bus Tour stands out for its lively atmosphere and unique storytelling. For about $99.60, you get nearly four hours of exploring Chicago’s craft beer scene aboard a vintage-style barrel bus reminiscent of Prohibition-era transportation. The tour stops at several off-the-radar breweries, giving you access to spots most visitors never see.
You’ll also get behind-the-scenes tours of production facilities, where brewmasters share the science and artistry behind their beers, making this experience both educational and fun.
One of the big draws is the generous beer tastings at each stop, ensuring you get to sample a wide variety of local brews. The tour’s flexibility makes it ideal whether you’re just starting your craft beer journey or already know your IPAs from your stouts.
The friendly guides and lively group atmosphere often lead to new friends and memorable moments—one reviewer called it “great fun with Ted,” and others loved the unique breweries outside the usual tourist trail.
Bottom line: This tour’s combination of style, variety, and insider access makes it a top pick. It’s perfect for those who want a relaxed, sociable day with plenty of tastings and some Chicago history.
2. Chicago: Craft Brewery Tour by Barrel Bus
Next on our list, the Chicago: Craft Brewery Tour by Barrel Bus offers a four-hour adventure through Chicago’s coolest breweries, with a nice twist: a VIP behind-the-scenes tour of a nano-brewery. For $100 per person, this experience is slightly more upscale and emphasizes quality over quantity.
The group size tends to be friendly and fun-loving, making it ideal for travelers who enjoy socializing and interactive tasting experiences.
This tour highlights Chicago’s hip microbreweries and includes tasting some excellent beers crafted on a small scale. The VIP visit to a top nano-brewery offers a rare peek into what makes Chicago’s craft scene so innovative. Plus, the interactive games and lively atmosphere ensure you’ll be sharing laughs with new friends.
The reviews suggest guests appreciate the knowledgeable guides and the chance to explore breweries beyond the typical tourist spots.
Bottom line: If you’re looking for a slightly more exclusive experience with a focus on small-batch brewing, this tour hits the mark. It’s well-suited for those wanting a lively, engaging day with some VIP treatment.
3. Chicago: Milwaukee City Highlights Day Trip with Brewery Tour
For around $106, the Chicago: Milwaukee City Highlights Day Trip with Brewery Tour is a full-day excursion that takes you across the border into Wisconsin’s largest city. This tour is more than just beer; it’s a culture. You’ll visit the Harley-Davidson Museum, see the impressive Milwaukee Art Museum, and explore the Milwaukee Public Market.
The brewery component includes a visit to Miller Brewery, where beer fans can enjoy samples and learn about Milwaukee’s brewing legacy. The tour’s highlights also include a stop at Miller’s historic brewery, plus a chance to explore the lakeside city’s unique neighborhoods.
The reviews note that the well-paced itinerary offers enough time at each site to soak in the experience, though some found the overall value slightly dependent on personal interest in Milwaukee’s attractions.
Bottom line: This trip suits travelers who want a combination of culture, history, and beer. It’s ideal if you’re comfortable spending the day outside Chicago and want an all-in-one experience.
4. Chicago to Milwaukee: Day Trip with Brewery Tour & City Highlights
Finally, the Chicago to Milwaukee: Day Trip with Brewery Tour & City Highlights offers a comprehensive 8 to 10-hour experience. For $125, you get a full day of sightseeing combined with brewery visits, art, and culture. The tour kicks off with a visit to the Harley-Davidson Museum, followed by the Milwaukee Public Market and the Miller Brewery, with tasting included at both sites.
What sets this trip apart is the extensive itinerary, including a visit to the architectural marvel of the Milwaukee Art Museum, with its iconic moving wings. Optional upgrades, like the Harley-Davidson Museum tour, add extra depth if time allows.
Reviews praise the expert guides who provide detailed insights into Milwaukee’s industrial and artistic scenes. The long duration makes it perfect for those who want a thorough exploration of Milwaukee’s diverse attractions.
Bottom line: This is the best choice for travelers who want a full day of sightseeing and tasting, especially if they’re interested in architecture, motorcycles, or art.
How to Choose the Right Brewery Tour
When selecting the best brewery tour in Chicago, consider your priorities: budget, duration, specific interests, and whether you prefer a small, intimate experience or a full-day adventure. For purely craft beer-focused outings, the Barrel Bus tours offer excellent value with diverse breweries and behind-the-scenes looks.
If culture and history appeal more, the Milwaukee trips combine beer with museums and iconic sites. Check the tour duration and whether you want to include other Chicago highlights or focus solely on beer.
Booking early is recommended, especially for popular options like the full-day Milwaukee trips or tours with VIP access. Think about the kind of experience you want—whether it’s tasting a variety of Chicago’s best microbrews or exploring Milwaukee’s historic neighborhoods—and pick accordingly.
In summary, Chicago offers a fantastic range of brewery tours suited to different tastes and time commitments. The Chicago Craft Brewery Barrel Bus Tour and the Chicago: Craft Brewery Tour by Barrel Bus are perfect for those wanting a lively day with expert guidance.
If you’re into combining culture with craft beer, the Milwaukee day trips provide a full itinerary packed with history, art, and great brews.
No matter your choice, early booking helps ensure you don’t miss out on these popular experiences. Cheers to discovering Chicago’s best brews!